Study Abroad in London: Courses

Courses are divided by session and then grouped by broad academic
discipline. Class timetables are available in April 2017. Please see below for full course descriptions and prerequisites.

Art courses often meet in museums and galleries. Students incur
some travel and entrance expenses, which are outlined in the syllabi.

A maximum of 14 students can register for each Art/Art History
class. Students are registered in the order of the date their application
is received.

3-Week Courses, Session A (May 22 - June 9)

Art History and Art, Design and Media

ADM 3160A (3) |
Foundations in Photography

This course concentrates on developing the student’s visual
intelligence via photography. Technically, students will learn to
use digital Single Lens Reflex cameras and Photoshop for image
workflow and editing. By looking at the work of a range of artists,
students will be introduced to some of the theories that underpin
photographic practice and consider photography’s place and
role in contemporary culture. Throughout the course students
make images which finally result in an edited portfolio of photographic
prints.

AVC 5200A (3) |
Museums and Galleries of London: The Cultures of Display

Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their role
and function in our society. Studies the workings of the art market,
conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art and
art world crime. Students visit many of the great London collections
as part of this course. Suitable for students majoring in Art
History or for those interested in careers in museum or gallery
work. Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

AVC 5400A (3) |
British Art and Architecture

Considers British painting, sculpture, architecture and interior
design of the 18th and 19th centuries in their cultural, social
and political context. Includes Georgian architecture, gender
and representation; art and the Industrial Revolution, travel and
the expansion of empire; the country and the city. Supported
by regular visits to museums, galleries and buildings to discuss
works. Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

Business Administration and Economics

ECN 5105A (3) |
Economic Problems of Developing Countries

This course discusses questions such as: Why does the level
of economic prosperity vary between countries? How is the
difference itself to be measured? What is the range of measures
available to improve the lot of the world’s poorest inhabitants? What role can organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank
take in this process? On this course you will be exposed to a
range of material designed to encourage you to link theory to
the practical implications faced by policy makers and the policy
choices they make.

MGT 5400A (3) |
Organizational Behavior

This course explores the structure and nature of organizations
and the contribution that communication and human behavior
makes to organizational performance. The course will address
not only macro level issues relating to the environment and context
within which organizations operate, but also the micro level
influences of people as individuals and groups, their motivations
and operating styles. The management of people for successful
organizational performance will be emphasized by considering
work environmental factors that facilitate or impede organizational
success.

MKT 5410A (3) |
Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods

Consumer psychology within the context of the consumption of
fashion and luxury products and services is complex and is influenced
by many factors. A thorough analysis and understanding
of these factors allows organizations to plan effective marketing
activities suitable to their target markets. This course enables
students to understand the importance of consumer behavior in
the process of marketing fashion and luxury goods and services.

Environmental Studies

ENV 3135A (3) |
Endangered Species: Ecology and Conservation

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of the
science of ecology through a study of ecosystems, conservation,
biodiversity and selected endangered or threatened species. It
will address natural and anthropogenic causes of species decline
and extinction and possible conservation techniques that are,
could be or could have been used to reverse the extinction or
decline. As well as some typical “poster species” other less well
known, but equally important species will be discussed.

History

HST 5425A (3) |
Historical London

From the creation of Londinium by the Romans to the great modern
metropolis, this course traces the growth and the changing
functions, institutions and architecture of London. Readings from
contemporary writers, describing the London they knew and
visits to selected monuments are an integral part of this course.
Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

HST 5405A (3) |
U.S. and U.K. Comparative History

Focuses on shared themes from the 1880s to the present day,
using a variety of approaches to enable students from different
disciplines to participate in the course. Examines issues around
popular culture, gender and ethnicity, as well as peoples’ responses
to major events like the Depression and wars. Concepts from economic history are used to analyze booms and slumps,
along with the resulting changes to both the U.S. and the U.K.
The decline of Britain as a world power and the parallel rise of
the U.S. is studied, putting into context the current debates on
the post Cold War world order and globalization.

HST 5500A (3) |
James Bond: An International Cultural History

James Bond (007) is a global brand: for sixty years a hugely
popular cultural icon, with around half of the planet having seen
a Bond film. Bond is a quintessentially British creation; yet his
adventures are set on a global stage and reflect the contemporary
political milieu – from fighting communists with his American
cousins to today’s battles with terrorists, media barons
and assorted megalomaniacs. This course is therefore also a
study of the second half of the twentieth century – particularly
the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. Equally
relevant are issues related to branding, class, race, gender,
product placement and popular music. Students will visit key
historical sites related to the history of Bond, using locations
(particularly in London) as well as both the books and films as
a means to study international history, as well as cultural and
political change.

Literature and Communications

COM 5115A (3) |
Sociology of Culture and Subculture

Introduces the field of cultural studies by examining various
concepts of culture, the positions taken in cultural criticism, and
the relationship between social and cultural transformation. Emphasis
is placed on differences between U.S. and U.K. culture
and the theory of subcultures.

COM 5218A (3) |
Celebrity and Fan Culture

Charts the development and critical context of contemporary
celebrity and fan cultures. Outlines key theoretical approaches.
Explores the topic through a variety of media, from artists like
Andy Warhol, Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Alison Jackson, to fanfic
and other fan culture artifacts. Considers the creation and
reception of celebrity texts: for example, around Harry Potter,
and fanhood as a performative critique of celebrity. Examines
relevant PR and media strategies.

Psychology

PSY 4215A (3) |
Biological Basis of Human Behavior

Exposes students to the relationship between biology and
behavior. Students are expected to assess critically the extent
to which biological explanations can be used to understand
or explain human behavior. Topics covered are: motivational
behavior; social behavior; sleep; perception; learning and
memory. Special discussion topics include: sexual behavior;
eating disorders; emotions and consciousness. In addition, the
course looks at perceptual and memory disorders.

Social Sciences/International Relations

RLG 5100A (3) |
Comparative World Religions

Explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism,
Christianity and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism,
Buddhism and Taoism) and the “new age” faiths. The history
and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the
philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common
themes such as the “self” and suffering.

SCL 5400A (3) |
Modern Britain: A Social Analysis

A general presentation of British society for students who arrive in
the country and are keen to know about its way of life, patterns of
thought, and socio-cultural background. Topics include: the growth
of urban and industrial Britain; British class structure and social mobility;
the welfare state, race, politics; and the position of women.
This course also examines Britain’s changing status in the world and
the effect this has had on socio-political attitudes and behavior.

Session B (June 12 – June 30)

Art History and Art, Design and Media

ADM 3160B (3) |
Foundations in Photography

This course concentrates on developing the student’s visual intelligence via photography. Technically, students will learn to use digital Single Lens Reflex cameras and Photoshop for image workflow and editing. By looking at the work of a range of artists, students will be introduced to some of the theories that underpin photographic practice and consider photography’s place and role in contemporary culture. Throughout the course students make images which finally result in an edited portfolio of photographic prints.

ADM 5200B (3) |
Video Production

A “hands on” course for students new to video, involving most
aspects of production from camera work and sound recording
to editing and audio dubbing. The theory and practice of video
technology are taught through a series of group exercises and
out of class assignments. Students also study a range of classic
videos and films as a means of understanding the language of
the medium.

AVC 5200B (3) |
Museums and Galleries of London: The Cultures of Display

Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their role and function in our society. Studies the workings of the art market, conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art and art world crime. Students visit many of the great London collections as part of this course. Suitable for students majoring in Art History or for those interested in careers in museum or gallery work. Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

Business Administration and Economics

FNN 5205B (3) |
Managerial Economics

This course involves the application of microeconomic decision
tools to managerial problems of the firm. Objectives and the
determinants of those objectives are studied, including profit,
demand, production and cost analysis. Specific topics include
managerial decision-making, decision theory, break-even analysis,
and price determination.

FNN 5205 (3) |
Principles of Investment

Focusing on financial investment, the course familiarizes the
student with a range of financial instruments and capital market
operations, including new issues, trading, and the role of
financial intermediaries in the investment market. Investment
companies are investigated. Fundamentals of portfolio theory
are introduced and applied to investment management. Valuation
of fixed-income securities, equity instruments, and common
stock is discussed on the basis of modern capital market theory.
The course introduces financial derivatives, including options,
futures, forward rate agreements, and interest rate swaps, and
relates the use of derivatives to fixed-income investment, portfolio
analysis, and interest rate risk management.

MKT 5205B (3) |
Consumer Behavior

Focuses on the study of what it means to be a consumer in a
global, information-oriented culture. Examines behavioral science
concepts, processes, and approaches that inform marketing
strategy as to what, how, when, where and why people
consume. Provides a managerial-oriented understanding of the
ubiquity of consumption in post-modern life. Examines the influences
upon and the behavior of consumers, both in groups and
as individuals.

MKT 6220B (3) |
Digital Marketing and Social Media

Provides students with an insight into the techniques and processes
involved in creating and maintaining a marketing presence on the Internet.
New technologies have created some radical changes in the
way companies reach their markets. Students have the opportunity
to learn about electronic commerce in action; the interplay between
the technology and marketing applications; the changing scope and
uses of the Internet; and current management issues facing businesses
attempting to use the World Wide Web.

History

HST 5425B (3) |
Historical London

From the creation of Londinium by the Romans to the great modern metropolis, this course traces the growth and the changing functions, institutions and architecture of London. Readings from contemporary writers, describing the London they knew and visits to selected monuments are an integral part of this course. Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

HST 5500B (3) |
James Bond: An International Cultural History

James Bond (007) is a global brand: for sixty years a hugely popular cultural icon, with around half of the planet having seen a Bond film. Bond is a quintessentially British creation; yet his adventures are set on a global stage and reflect the contemporary political milieu – from fighting communists with his American cousins to today’s battles with terrorists, media barons and assorted megalomaniacs. This course is therefore also a study of the second half of the twentieth century – particularly the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. Equally relevant are issues related to branding, class, race, gender, product placement and popular music. Students will visit key historical sites related to the history of Bond, using locations (particularly in London) as well as both the books and films as a means to study international history, as well as cultural and political change.

Literature and Communications

COM 6400B (3) |
Fashion and Media

This course traces the multiple connections between the fashion
and media industries. It emphasizes the material realities,
pragmatic and creative dynamisms, fantasy components, and
essential visuality of fashion. It also highlights how London and
cities in general function as creative agencies for fermenting
style and fashion ideas and attitudes.

LIT 5100B (3) |
Travel Writing

Exposes students to the scope and the power of modern travel
writing. It provides an intellectual framework for the understanding
and analysis of this genre and will introduce students to many
of the critical texts which will be drawn from Bryson, Raban and
Naipaul, among others.

LIT 5405B (3) |
British Fantasy Writing: Magic Memory

This course explores the long-standing, unique and vibrant
tradition of Fantasy literature in Britain. It will focus on the major
fantasies from the past 120 years and their filmed adaptations,
including works by Bram Stoker, J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling.
It will look at how these texts and their filmic counterparts revisit
older ideas for novel purposes. Where possible, field trips to sites
such as Strawberry Hill (first gothic home) or Harry Potter London
tours will be arranged to supplement this course. Students
should budget $50 for these field trips.

Psychology

PSY 5215B (3) |
Personality, Individual Differences and Intelligence

The purpose of this course is to increase students’ awareness
of the variety of theoretical viewpoints that exist regarding
the nature of human individual differences and the factors
that influence human behavior. We will examine the different
theoretical viewpoints about intelligence, personality structure
and its development, emotion, motivation, cognitive styles, the
development of psychopathology, and clinical applications for
personality change. Students will evaluate prominent theoretical
perspectives critically and consider cultural variations in individual
differences.

Social Sciences/International Relations

PLT 5205B (3) |
British Politics: Inside Parliament

An introduction to the political system of the United Kingdom,
employing both theoretical and comparative approaches, particularly
with reference to the political system of the USA. Topics
include: the constitution; concepts of democracy; the role of the
legislature; the Cabinet; the Head of State/Head of Government;
the electoral system, pressure and interest groups and party
political programs. Includes meetings at the House of Commons,
conducted by a Member of Parliament. Limited to 20 students.

Session C (July 2 - July 21)

Art History and Art, Design and Media

ADM 3160C (3) |
Foundations in Photography

This course concentrates on developing the student’s visual intelligence via photography. Technically, students will learn to use digital Single Lens Reflex cameras and Photoshop for image workflow and editing. By looking at the work of a range of artists, students will be introduced to some of the theories that underpin photographic practice and consider photography’s place and role in contemporary culture. Throughout the course students make images which finally result in an edited portfolio of photographic prints.

AVC 5200C (3) |
Museums and Galleries of London: The Cultures of Display

Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their role and function in our society. Studies the workings of the art market, conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art and art world crime. Students visit many of the great London collections as part of this course. Suitable for students majoring in Art History or for those interested in careers in museum or gallery work. Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

Business Administration and Economics

INB 6210C (3) |
European Business Environment

Focuses on the economic, political, social environment for
business in Europe within this field, it examines the institutional
interplay with the European Union, the dynamics between the
different Member States and the different policies with direct
relevance to businesses operating in the European Union.

MKT 5405C (3) |
Fashion, Marketing and Retail

This course covers the fundamentals of fashion and the basic
principles that govern all fashion movement and change. It
examines the history, development, organization and operation
of merchandising and marketing activities, trends in industries
engaged in producing fashion, purchasing of fashion merchandise,
foreign and domestic markets, and the distribution and
promotion of fashion.

History

HST 4405C (3) |
History of Fashion

This course analyzes the history of fashion from a sociological
perspective – covering the period from the beginning of the
modern period to the present. Relationships between dress,
fashion, class, political power, ethnicity and gender are investigated.
While the primary focus is upon the historical development
of western fashion global interconnections are investigated
throughout the course.

HST 5425C (3) |
Historical London

From the creation of Londinium by the Romans to the great modern metropolis, this course traces the growth and the changing functions, institutions and architecture of London. Readings from contemporary writers, describing the London they knew and visits to selected monuments are an integral part of this course. Visits require some travel and entrance costs.

HST 5500C (3) |
James Bond: An International Cultural History

James Bond (007) is a global brand: for sixty years a hugely popular cultural icon, with around half of the planet having seen a Bond film. Bond is a quintessentially British creation; yet his adventures are set on a global stage and reflect the contemporary political milieu – from fighting communists with his American cousins to today’s battles with terrorists, media barons and assorted megalomaniacs. This course is therefore also a study of the second half of the twentieth century – particularly the special relationship between the U.S. and the U.K. Equally relevant are issues related to branding, class, race, gender, product placement and popular music. Students will visit key historical sites related to the history of Bond, using locations (particularly in London) as well as both the books and films as a means to study international history, as well as cultural and political change.

Literature and Communications

COM 5218C (3) |
Celebrity and Fan Culture

Charts the development and critical context of contemporary celebrity and fan cultures. Outlines key theoretical approaches. Explores the topic through a variety of media, from artists like Andy Warhol, Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Alison Jackson, to fanfic and other fan culture artifacts. Considers the creation and reception of celebrity texts: for example, around Harry Potter, and fan-hood as a performative critique of celebrity. Examines relevant PR and media strategies.

CRW 5200C (3) |
Script Writing

Students are guided through the creative processes of writing
scenes for the stage, T.V. and film. The building of character and
plot is examined as well as the industry standard formats for writing
in these media. Group and team work are encouraged as well
as discussions, critique and analysis of the narrative techniques
used in existing stage plays and films.

Music and Theater Arts

THR 5405C (3) |
Shakespeare and His World

Aimed at the novice and the experienced reader of Shakespeare, this course provides a historical context to Shakespeare’s writing
and closely analyzes the poetic and dramatic aspects in his
drama. Shakespeare in performance is an integral part of the
course and students are expected to see productions of most
texts studied. A performance fee is levied on this course.

6-Week Courses (May 23 - June 30)

Art History and Art, Design and Media

ADM 5210 (3) |
Pixel Playground

This course focuses on the study of image making – both digital
and handmade. Through art and design briefs, students will
study and explore color, composition, illustration and visual
narratives. This course familiarizes students with two core visual
applications: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

GEP 3160 (3) |
Creative Expression

This course explores the ways we can interpret and appreciate
different types of art across cultures. How can we make sense
of an art installation that consists of a pile of stones on a gallery
floor? How can we understand music and the creative expression
behind it? Through examples from the fine arts, film, theater, music
and fashion, this class engages with broad themes concerning
the value of artistic thinking and the role it plays in education,
social relations, urbanism and the creative economy.

Business Administration and Economics

ACC 4205 (3) |
Managerial Accounting

This course introduces students to the generation of cost data for the
preparation of proper, representative financial statements, and for
optimal planning and control of routine operations and long range
organizational goals. It focuses on the uses of formal cost accounting
systems and quantitative techniques to make managerial decisions.
Topics include: direct absorption income statements, job and process
costing, allocation and proration, pro-forma and capital budgeting.

ENT 4200 (3) |
Introduction to Entrepreneurship

This course provides an introduction to the concept and practice of
entrepreneurship. It intends to provide the ‘big picture’ on entrepreneurship,
but to also cover a number of key micro issues relating to the
more numerous small businesses that make up the majority of all business
activity in societies everywhere. The course readily acknowledges
that there is no single theory or model of entrepreneurship; but this
lack of a distinct theoretical spine provides the course with its strongest
advantage as this provides for an opportunity to present a multiplicity
of case work and concepts. The emphasis is on comparing the diversity
of approaches found within the world of the entrepreneur.

Film and Theater

FLM 5410 (3) |
Gender in Film

This course explores key concepts that have shaped the study of
gender in film in the past 50 years. It considers different spectators’
viewing positions and analyzes how historical and social changes in the construction of masculinities and femininities
have shaped specific film genres. A variety of issues related to
sexuality, race/ethnicity and non-western representations are
also considered as students are encouraged to study film texts
closely to make their own readings based on the semiotics of the
film and the ideology behind it.

THR 5100 (3) |
World Theater

Provides an overview of the theater of European and non European
countries. Mainly issue-driven writing is examined, especially
drama as a reaction to oppression. This course identifies styles
that are specific to certain cultures in an aim to identify cultural
influences from one country to another. Students are encouraged
to contribute insights from their own individual cultures.

History

HST 3200 (3) |
World Cultural History II

This course is designed to study in broad outline the origins of
global interdependence, from 1500-1800. The politics, religion,
art and architecture of European, Islamic and East Asian cultures
will be studied. In world terms, the period is most noteworthy
for the impact of European expansionism, sustained by scientific
invention and commercial acquisitiveness, underpinned by
religion. While the class work focuses on the discussion of broad
themes supported by close reading of relevant primary texts,
students will practice presenting specific topics in group oral
presentations. Class visits are scheduled to relevant exhibitions
in London.

Mathematics

MTH 3111 (3) |
Functions and Applications

This course is designed to provide students with the necessary
mathematical background for calculus courses and its applications
to some business and economics courses. It covers the
fundamentals of real-valued functions, including polynomial,
rational, exponential and logarithmic functions and introduces
students to the concepts of derivative and integral calculus
with its applications to specific concepts in micro- and macroeconomics.

MTH 4120 (3) |
Probability and Statistics I

An introductory course in probability primarily designed for business
economics and psychology majors. The course coverage
will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory,
random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions
(Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability
distribution (Normal distribution), linear regression analysis
and correlations, elementary hypothesis testing and Chi-square
tests, non-parametric methods and SPSS lab sessions targeting
applications of statistical concepts to business, economics and
psychology and interpretations of hardcopies. All practical work
will be produced using SPSS statistical software.

Philosophy

PHL 4100 (3) |
Introduction to Philosophy

This course introduces students to discipline of philosophy. It
examines various branches of philosophy including logic, epistemology,
ontology, ethics, political and religious philosophy. It
takes a topic-based rather than historical approach, and looks
at sets of problems such as the mind-body problem, empiricism
versus rationalism, and subjectivism versus naturalism. To this
end, various important Western philosophers will be considered
including Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant and Russell.

Science

GEP 3140 (3) |
Scientific Reasoning

What do you consider when you consider your carbon footprint?
How do you evaluate the quality and conclusions of a double
blind trial? This core course aims to provide a means by which
the student can effectively communicate an understanding and
appreciation of the impact of science on everyday life and academic
enquiry. Scientific areas to be explored range from ethics
to evolution, physics to physiology, climate change to conservation,
and trials and testing to thinkers and innovators. This core
course teaches students to reflect critically on information so
that they may make informed personal decisions about matters
that involve science and understand the importance of science in
other areas of their studies.

If you are studying on a customized, faculty-led program through your home institution, please see the AIFS Partnerships website for details.